This is the third part of my EnP board review series. This is where I’m going to help you get through your application.
Now that you’ve visualised the exam days and you know what’s coming, let’s have a walk through of your board application process and the documents needed.
Eligibility check
Before going through your application process, you have to know whether you’re eligible or not to take the exam. RA 10587, Section 18 discusses this, but for convenience, I’m putting the content right here:
SEC. 18. Qualifications for Taking the Examination. – Any person applying to take the licensure examination as herein provided shall establish to the satisfaction of the Board that he/she has the following qualifications:
(a) A citizen of the Philippines or a foreign citizen whose country or State has a policy on reciprocity in the practice of the profession;
(b) A holder of any of the following degrees from schools, colleges or universities duly recognized and accredited by the CHED:
1. A graduate in environmental planning, urban/city and regional planning, or town and country planning or its equivalent;
2. A Post-Graduate Diploma in Environmental Planning, city and regional planning or its equivalent, and with at least one (1) year of on-the-job training as required herein;
3. A Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Planning, city planning or urban and regional planning, or town and country planning, or its equivalent, and with two (2) years of on-the-job training as required herein;
4. A masters or doctorate degree in either architecture, engineering, ecology, economics, geography, geology, public administration, business administration, sociology, social science, law, environmental science, environmental management, development management, natural resources planning and development, and related disciplines acceptable to the Board, and with three (3) years of on-the-job training as required herein: Provided, That a person falling under this paragraph shall be allowed to take the licensure examination only within the next five (5) years from the effectivity of this Act;
5. A bachelor’s degree in architecture, engineering, economics, public administration, law, social work and community development or sociology and other related disciplines acceptable to the Board and with five (5) years of on-the-job training as required herein: Provided, That a person falling under this paragraph shall be allowed to take the licensure examination only within the next five (5) years from the effectivity of this Act; and
6. Incumbent holders of planning positions in the national, regional or local government offices or agencies including government-owned and -controlled corporations and have been engaged in development planning functions acceptable to the Board: Provided, That they are holders of professional civil service eligibility and they have undergone at least eighty (80) hours of in-service training or distance learning in developmental planning from a government agency, school or institution recognized by proper authorities: Provided, further, That a person falling under this paragraph may be allowed to take the licensure examination only within the next five (5) years after the effectivity of this Act.
(c) Of good moral character; and
(d) Not convicted of an offense involving moral turpitude by a court of competent jurisdiction.
The on-the-job training required in this section shall be undertaken under the supervision of a registered and licensed environmental planner or the applicant’s immediate supervisor in an agency or organization acceptable to the Board, which is engaged or involved in environmental planning functions or programs.
It’s best to review the whole law so you know the scope and details of the EnP profession. You’re going to go through this during the review anyway.
Filing period
Since the EnP Licensure Exam is in June, the filing period is usually around April to May, and has a duration of about a month. Double check with PRC from time to time for announcements of the filing period.
Application Form
There are two ways to file your application in PRC: manually or online. Manually, you have to secure the printed application form from PRC or download the e-copy. This is what it looks like:
You can also file your application online at the official PRC application page. This is what the system looks like:
If you choose to use the online application, you will still have to fill out a few more details when your form is printed in PRC, because you’ll still have to sign, attach your photo and stamp, and they’ll have to make sure you’ve paid your fees. But online gives your the convenience and makes your application process faster.
Submission of applications should be made within the filing period, because otherwise, PRC might not accept the documents. In the online system, it is impossible to fill up the form if you’re applying outside the filing period. The date and place of examination will not be available, as seen in the image above.
Checklist of requirements
There are quite a lot of documents needed for your application. PRC will be providing the official list, but again, here it is anyway, so you can prepare earlier:
- NSO birth certificate on security paper
- NSO marriage certificate on security paper (for married women)
- Transcript of Records (TOR) with a scanned passport-sized ID and the remarks “For board examination purposes.” Since all of my records are in UP Diliman, I got my TOR from the Office of the University Registrar for PhP300.00. The processing time is ten working days or two weeks.
- NBI Clearance
- Four pieces of coloured passport ID photos with your full name on the photo tag. Since this is the photo that will be printed on your PRC ID when you pass, make sure you’re okay with how you look like in the photos that you will use.
- Community tax certificate (CTC) or cedula. This can be sourced from your barangay or city / municipal hall.
- Any valid ID
- Three certificates of experience. In this certificate, you will outline the details and timeframe of all your experiences related to environmental planning. This will be signed off by your immediate supervisor, your professor, or other environmental planners you’ve worked with. Upon accomplishment, have your certificates notarised. This is what it looks like:
- Certificate of employment. You can get this from your office’s human resource department.
- Certification of good moral character. You can get this from your employer, your school, your barangay, or any organization you’re currently affiliated with, and is willing to certify your good character.
Make sure you have both the original and photocopies of each required document. Keep them in an envelope to be organised.
Application process
Once you’ve accomplished all the forms and compiled all the application requirements, it’s time to file your application. Try to file in the early or middle part of your filing period because if ever there are complications or clarifications in your application, there will still be time to address these.
Try to go as early as possible to PRC when you file. This is because you’ll be with so many other applicants for all the other board exams. In my experience, 5:30 AM was too early, but come 6AM, there was already a long line. Buy your stamps and official envelopes inside PRC, from the official source. Stamps are at PhP25.00 each. Afterwards, proceed to the third floor for the application process.
There are signs on all the windows indicating the steps throughout the application procedure. Step 1 is where you drop one photo into a box. Step 2 is waiting for the staff to call your name, verifying your exam’s filing period, and initially checking your documents. This is where the famous EnP Jun Torres comes in for Step 3. He’s probably the only one with the know-how and knowledge of the EnP board exam requirements. When I met him, EnP Jun was actually very nice and loved to talk, but sometimes he’s got too much work on his table, so just be very courteous and friendly. He’ll be assisting you throughout the application process. Give him your application documents (except the envelope, which you have to bring during exam day), and he’ll advise what you need to do–attach the stamps, stick the photos, and pay your application fee at the cashier. Step 4 is payment, and the fee is PhP900.00. Once you’re paid, get your receipt and you’ll be given a slip with a number, so you can call PRC to check if the Board has already approved of your application, and if you’ll be allowed to take the exam. The announcement is about a week’s time.
There are cases wherein the board disapproves applications, and I was one of the five unlucky ones in our batch to get this feedback. My disapproval was due to my undergraduate course being BS Tourism, which is not included in the related courses. I had to submit a letter appealing for reconsideration to the Board and wait one more week for them to evaluate my documents, and after that, I was allowed to take the exam.
Once you get your notification that you’ve been approved, you can go back to PRC and retrieve your exam permit. This is a one-sheet permit where your examinee number is, and where your schedule for the exam will be. Keep your permit, do not lose it. You will also be given instructions, a checklist of things to bring, and other reminders. Yup, these are what I wrote in Part 2.
Filing your application gives you the finality of your decision to take the exam. It’s as if someone’s telling you, “There’s no turning back.” But hey, you made a brave decision.
Keep moving forward. It’s review time.
Jean Palma 
Littlemsurbanite ask lang po,need po talaga 3 certificate of experience? Incumbent planning officer in the office of civil defense and havebeen engaged in the.regional development council activities since 2011.
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Yes, it’s required. Just declare that experience in the certificate.
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Hi! What if my previous and current work experiences do not aligned with environmental planning, do I have a chance to take the exam? I am economics graduate and a government employee . Thank you.
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Hi ma’am. The affiant needs to be a registered EnP tama po ba? What if my boss is not?
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Hello! maam ask kulang if pwedi ba akong mag take ng EnP this 2019, im graduate of BS Environmental Engineering and current nasa Municipal Planning Development office ako ngayun as a Center for Environmental Planning Program Coordinator for 3 year maam? Pwedi paba ako maka take ng EnP this 2019? Maam Salamat poh
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I am Planning to take the Licensure Examination this coming June 2017.
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I am planning to take the Environmental Planning Licensure Examination this coming June 2017. I am a commerce grad, and 1 year in the Municipal Planning and Development Office as Project Evaluation Officer I. I am planning to take a review but I’m afraid my undergrad is not related course with only 1 year experience in developmental planning. I have sufficient 80 hrs training. Any suggestion po? Thank you very much.
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hi mariz, pareho tayo. commerce grad din (MGT. ACCTG) tapos licensed real estate appraiser . ano balita? pwede daw mag take ng exam if commerce grad? thanks!
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Hi Ian! Sorry for the late reply. yeah, na-approve naman ang application ng Board. They were never that strict naman, i guess basta complete ang 80 hrs. training. Now, i am a licensed EnP! 😉
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Im planning to take exam 2017.
Ab political science – bachelor
Master in public administration
3 years municipal disaster risk reduction officer
Am i qualified to take a review and exam? Thank you
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You are eligible to take the EnP board if you have 80 hours work experience (fulfilled). Passed the civil service exam.
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Yes you are qualified.
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I am a BS Environmental Science graduate work under National Greening Program for one year and a visiting lecturer in a university for another one year. Am I qualified to take the exam?
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I am planning to take the EnP board exam this 2017. i am a license forester since 1995 and masters in rural development administration graduate and with complete academic requirement of masters of environmental science. i have almost 15 years teaching experience handling courses in undergrad for environmental management and environmental science and had been engaging project related CC-DRR in local development planning. Am i qualified to take review and exam? or any document/requirement to comply? thank you
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Currently I am the MPDC and my appointment came sometime in May 2015. Apparently I only have close to 2 years experience under this office.I however had completed at least 80 equivalent units related to planning. Am i qualified to take the Enp Board by June 2017? I am also a registered Civil Engineer.
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Dear Little Miss Urbanite
Thank you for this very helpful webpage. Can someone with an education background take up the licensure exam? The only planning certificate she can produce is in lesson planning?? It might sound hilarious but it’s a serious question.
Thank you
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Hi Little Miss Urbanite,
Ask lang po until when pwede mag take ang mga non related courses like commerce grad for the ENP licensure examination? As of now pwede pa as long as may maipakita kang certificate certifying that your work engaged in urban planning..
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good day po. BS Arch grad po ako ng year 2015 and nag work sa architectural firm,tanong ko lang po kung eligible po ako to take the exam and pwedeng immediate supervisor is an architect?
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hello. my masters degree is MS environment and conservation biology. my previous work is related to natural resource management and these includes environment supervisor (6 months) and environmental safeguards specialist for Dept of Agriculture (2 years). Do you think I am eligible to take the EnP board exams?
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Hello po,tanong ko lng po kung pwede po ba ako mgtake ng EnP exam graduate po ako as BS Envi Scie lst 2008 n ngwork sa DENR for almost 6 yrs.qualified na po ba ako pra sa board?tnx po
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Hello po,tanong ko lng po kung pwede po ba ako mgtake ng EnP exam graduate po ako as BS Envi Scie lst 2008 n ngwork sa DENR for almost 6 yrs under Natoonal Greening Program and Waste Analysis Carateristic Program,qualified na po ba ako pra sa board?tnx po
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HI, IM CURRENTLY THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF A WATER DISTRICT, IM PLANNING TO TAKE THE ENP exams, I have a MBA Degree, and I have been sitting as Board of the Water District for the last 6 years, and planning and development programs are under my supervision. Is there a need for me to do OJT, as this may require to my application for exams?
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Is EnP board examination only have one schedule examination for a year? I was’t able to complete all the requirements until Monday which is the deadline of submission of application (April 24).
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HELLO PO!..Im a BSBA Graduate po and im currently working at DENR, am i qualified to take EnP Board Exam po ba?ano po requirements?..
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HI, I am an accountancy graduate and I only have one year MPDC experience but I have more than 80 hours training of the CLUP updating from the HLURB. My question is will I still be eligible to take the EnP Board Exam next year (2018) ? Please advise. Thank you.
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Ricky,
LGU Engineer (Eng’g. Ofc.) For 3years-Present
BS Civil Engr.
My question is will I still be eligible to take the EnP Board Exam next year (2018) ? Please advise. Thank you.
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Ricky,
LGU Engineer (Eng’g. Ofc.) For 3years-Present
BS Civil Eng’g.
2017 Grad. Master Management Public Administration
My question is will I still be eligible to take the EnP Board Exam next year (2018) ? Please advise. Thank you.
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BSBA Major in Mgt. Accounting Graduate. Currently Working in LGU . Am I qualified to take EnP?
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Just want to ask it here (though it’s just like I am asking for a positive pulse)
I am planning to take enp exam on June 2018
BSBA graduate
2 years as casual in CPDO
has more than 80 hours of various workshops in developmental planning
CSE-Prof passer
has taken 22 units of DURP in SURP.
Would these credentials be accepted, please take note that I am not holding any plantilla position until Dec 2017.
Thank you!
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Hello po.
I am a holder of a MBA degree (graduated 2009). I am also a CPA (passed 2004), Real Estate Broker (passed 2015) and Real Estate Appraiser (passed 2015). However, I do not have any work experience in Environmental Planning. Do I still have the chance to get admitted for the licensure examination? Thanks in advance for your response.
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Hi. You said the Board rejected your first application because your course was not mentioned in that specific section. Then you wrote a letter of reconsideration and got accepted. May I know if you have a Master’s degree when you applied? Thanks! 🙂
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My Masters degree was ongoing when I applied. 🙂
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Hi Maam,
I want to write also a letter of Appeal because my exam application was rejected because I only have 4 + years of experience in planning. Where did you address your letter? to PRC or to the Board? Any tips so that they will consider my application?
Thank you
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Hi, address it to the Board. Detail in your letter why you should be considered to take the exam.
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Hi po, may tanong lang po ako if I am qualified :BS Environmental Science and Technology and currently Ms Environmental Science..3 years of work experience..am I qualified to take the EnP po?
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Hi, I am currently working as a Community Development Facilitator/ Community organizer on a certain NGO. I took up a Bachelor of Science in Entrepreneurship and is currently taking up a Master in Management which hopefully I will be graduating next year God willing… I am planning to pursue a career an environmental planner any suggestion how I could do that? Are there any way (shortest if possible) that I could become a licensed Environmental Planner? I how you could help me. Thanks and God bless! 🙂
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Ms Ragene, I just want to express my sincerest appreciation to you, I PASSED the ENP Board this June and you are very much instrumental for this accomplishment. It all started when I was looking for something to review in the net and i saw one of your blog particularly the one you wrote about the preparations for ENP Board. I took all your advice, actually you served as my lone mentor during my one month self-review taking all the cues and clues you selflessly shared. Maraming salamat po Ma’am and more power. I want to connect with you personally to be tutored more by you esp that I am new in this endeavor if you have time and opportunity pls email me po: randyabasolo@yahoo.com, muli po ang aking taos pusong pasasalamat sa inyo 🙂
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Hi Randy. I’m so glad to hear that. Congratulations, and you are most welcome. Welcome to the profession, and God bless in your endeavors as a new EnP. Hope to see you some time. 😊
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